It is with profound sorrow and much love that we announce the peaceful passing of Sheila Helena Leonara Baksh (Bindoo) on September 18, 2021 at the admirable age of 92.

Born July 8, 1929 to parents Francis and Elizebeth Bindoo, Sheila grew up alongside her 3 brothers – Lenny, John, Trevor - and 8 sisters – Agnes, Amy, Ruth, Vera, Ursil, Elsa, Janet, Joycelyn (Coy) – in San Juan, Port of Spain Trinidad eventually marrying Oswell “Hero” Baksh on February 14th, 1952 and starting a beautiful family of her own.

Together, they had 4 children: Patricia “Patsy”, Tony (Zena), Gary (Cathy) and Dexter (Kim) and with thoughts of giving their children a better life, hopped on a plane to Canada in the winter of 1968 and began building the legacy she now leaves behind.

Sheila was cherished by her children, adored by her 13 grandchildren – Rea, Ray, Anthony, Chitel, Shannon, Josh, Justin, Jason, Natalie, Gabby, Alicia, Dexter (Jr.) and Daniel – treasured by her 23 great-grandchildren – Christopher, Krystal, Zachary, Nathan, Matthew, Reanna, Tatum, Vaila, Marcus, Andre, Dylon, Bryanna, Zion, Elijah, Rae, Abigail, Adalyn, Josiah-Justin, Isaiah, Kingsley, Mekhi, Brayden and Brielle – and loved by her great-great grandchild – Isabelle.

Our beloved “Gran”, “Granny”, “Great-Gran”, sister, Auntie and friend will sorely be missed but her smile, generosity and wit remembered fondly by all those who were blessed enough to know her.

During Sheila’s 92 years here on earth, she always made it a point to check in, even if for a 5-minute phone call to remind you to visit anytime and that no appointment was necessary. When you did visit, regardless of the time of day, food was cooked and warmed up just in time for you to walk through the door. Pepper sauce on the table, “ginge-ale” or juice box in the fridge; She always had SOME-thing for EVERY-one. She would sit down on the adjacent chair and watch as you enjoyed the soul food she whipped up, telling stories of her days back in Trinidad, chasing the boys with a wooden spoon when they acted up and proudly reminiscing about her parents and the living they made… but not before she told you how cold it was outside (despite it being 30 degrees in the middle of the summer).

Sheila’s family was absolutely everything to her. The family’s well-being was always priority number one and she spent many a day worrying about whether we had shelter over our heads, clothes on our backs and food in our bellies. If there was ever a time that we didn’t have one of those things, Sheila, without hesitation, would always find a way to help.

Priority number two? Style. Whether Sheila was going to an event, a family gathering, to shop at the mall, to the meat market or even just the laundry mat, she likely had a new purse in hand, new shoes on foot, a fancy coat to keep her warm and of course, a headband to match. She exuded grace and class. Nails always painted, hair always dyed. She dressed to impress and that she did, every time.

She was strong willed (some might even say stubborn) and she always spoke her mind – especially if you were a telemarketer! She stood her ground and showed strength in moments where most fall weak. As a single mom to four children, she worked around the clock until retiring at 65 with one goal in mind: to provide for her family. Her love was unconditional and it remained as such until she took her last breath. Her goal never shifted.

Sheila, Mom, Gran, Great-Gran… you are at the center of the legacy you’ve created. You’ve built an unbreakable foundation that is the Baksh family and the generations to come after you will know your face, your smile, your heart. You are our hearts and souls, a true Queen. Life here on earth will not be the same without you but we thank you for breaking off a little piece of you in each of us to carry on until we meet again. And as we walk towards the gates of heaven when God calls us home, we cannot wait to see your head poke out to watch us walk toward you… because you were always waiting.

Be at peace now, without an ounce of worry in your heart, because we are okay down here. We are strong because you made us that way.

Rest In Paradise Sheila. We love you… always, xoxo.

Arrangements:

Although we would love to invite all friends and family near and far, unfortunately, due to pandemic restrictions, the Funeral Service will be for invited guests only as the numbers must be kept to a minimum. There will be a livestream of the service for those not attending.

The livestream starts at 11:00 a.m and the link for the livestream will appear at the top of the page just about 5 minutes prior to service time.

Please click on the link to watch the service.